Kochi: Speakers at the ‘Beyond the Hashtag – Action for Change’ debate, held on the opening day of the Summit of the Future, emphasised that educational institutions have a crucial role in equipping the younger generation to handle conflicts in everyday life. They noted that such interventions could help prevent youth from drifting towards anti-social activities, including drug abuse.
Ernakulam District Collector G. Priyanka, IAS, observed that the legal system alone is insufficient to curb the growing menace of drug abuse among youngsters. She stressed the need for sustained awareness programmes and efforts to channel young people towards sports and cultural activities, thereby reducing the demand for drugs.
Participating in the debate, DYFI State President V. Vaseef, Youth Congress State President Janeesh O.J., Youth Congress National Secretary Abin Varkey, and Ernakulam District Panchayat Member Juble George underlined the importance of youth participation in politics. They asserted that meaningful and positive change in the political sphere is possible only through active involvement, adding that such engagement can also help young people address mental conflicts and broader social challenges.
